WORKS being carried out on Kilkhampton Square were brought to a halt on Tuesday morning following concerns from local residents and businesses, writes Robyn Pengilly.

Cornwall County Council said the work being carried out aimed to assist pedestrians, improve visibility onto the A39 for motorists entering from West Street and to rationalise the parking provisions in the square.

However, several local residents and businesses were unhappy with the plans which they said would result in a loss of car parking spaces.

On Tuesday a spokes­man for the county council said that work had ceased for the day "whilst the Parish Council meet with residents to resolve issues that have arisen."

Ian Croxton from Kilk­ham­pton Post Office said the work began on Monday morning "without any prior notification." He said the parish council had been consulted on the scheme but only one person had seen a copy of the final plans. He commented: "The plans were pushed through so quick no one was given a chance to object."

Mr Croxton said the plans would result in half the car parking spaces in the square being lost. He feared the lack of parking would mean that people would not stop in the village.

"This will force the closure of businesses and lose that village community that Kilkhampton has always strived so long and so hard to maintain," he said.

After discussing the scheme with other residents and businesses, Mr Croxton decided on Tuesday that enough was enough. A gathering was held in the square and those present made it clear they were unhappy with the scheme.

A decision was then made by the county council to stop the work in the square.

Cornwall County Council's spokes­man said: "Prior to the commencement of the works, a full consultation was carried out involving local residents, the parish council, the district council and local members.

"During this consultation period the parish council raised some concerns over the proposals and further design work was carried out to reflect their wishes. The parish council were then given a copy of the new drawings that reflected the changes they required and they subsequently informed the Highway Design Group (HDG) that everyone was now happy with the amendments.

"HDG reported this to both Cllr Whalley and Cllr Heard and, following approvals from both, the scheme was subsequently given a go ahead from the CCC Client Team to proceed with issue of the works package."

A site meeting was scheduled for 8.30am yesterday morning (Wednes­day) when residents, businesses, the parish council and the Highway Design Group would meet to discuss alternative proposals.

Mr Croxton hoped a solution could be found so that Kilkhampton "doesn't lose five parking spaces out of the 12 that exist."